Drone Video: Shreveport Suspect Pulled Gun While Hiding From Police

The Shreveport Police Department is increasingly relying on technology to keep officers and citizens safe. Police Chief Wayne Smith recently demonstrated how the technology has already prevented violent encounters and even saved lives.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in technology,” Chief Smith said. “It keeps people safe and out of harm’s way.”

Drones Prevent Dangerous Confrontations

Chief Smith shared video from a recent case where officers were searching for a murder suspect inside a home. Instead of sending officers in first, police deployed a drone. The aerial footage showed the suspect in bed with his left hand under a pillow. The man then pulls out a gun and points it directly at the drone.

“If this would’ve been a series of officers taking this person into custody, I’ll let your imagination tell you what would have taken place,” Smith explained. “But because of this technology, an officer and this person lived to see another day.”

Check out this remarkable video at the 18:27 mark:

A Safer Way to Handle Standoffs

The chief also pointed back to a Crooked Creek standoff years ago when a man barricaded himself inside a home with a young child. Smith said the suspect shot down two drones, but because the drones drew his attention, officers were able to rescue the child safely.

“While the drone was distracting the man, officers were able to get into the house and rescue the juvenile,” Smith said. “That technology kept people alive.”

Building Trust Through Technology

While some community members have raised questions about privacy, police say drones are used strictly for public safety — not for day-to-day monitoring of residents.

Chief Smith said the success stories show how important drones are in modern policing. “Because of drone technology, someone lived to see another day,” he emphasized. “That’s the difference it makes.”

As Shreveport continues to deal with violent crime, police say drones will remain a vital part of protecting both the public and officers on the ground.